Aamir Farooq
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi ArabiaFor outstanding contributions to research and development of mid-infrared laser-based sensors and their applications to chemistry and the environment.
Aamir Farooq’s journey into the world of optics and lasers began in childhood, with a smile over the word laser. Learning that it was an acronym only deepened his curiosity and sense of wonder. That playful fascination evolved into a lifelong pursuit of understanding how light can be harnessed, shaped, and measured with precision. Near the end of his bachelor studies in mechanical engineering, he learned about selective laser sintering (SLS), an emerging technology at the time. Today, SLS is used widely in 3D printing and additive manufacturing, but it was a new area back then. This was one of Aamir’s first exposures to optics, and he was hooked. Since then, Aamir has built a career in optical sensors. To Aamir, optical sensors are like the five human senses, but with much more power. For example, optical sensors can “see” atoms and molecules invisible to the human eye. He shares, “This powerful feature of optical sensors can be used to sense our environment, to build devices to monitor personal health, and to optimize energy systems.”
At first, engineering seemed like the natural path for Aamir after earning his bachelor’s degree. He had always loved mathematics and believed that a career in industry would be the perfect fit for his analytical mindset and problem-solving instincts. In those first few years, he found that the jobs he got quickly grew repetitive, and he began to wonder if attending grad school would be a good idea. He decided to apply to a few schools and was ultimately accepted at Stanford University. One more big challenge presented itself to Aamir at this stage in his career: his advisor lost most of his funding.
Luckily, Aamir’s first advisor was helpful and identified Aamir’s interest in applications, electronics, and mechanical engineering. Another professor at Stanford, Ronald Hanson, was researching laser applications to combustion. This area sparked an interest in Aamir, who contacted Ron. At first, Ron was cautious about admitting Aamir to his group, so he offered a trial period where the two could explore both their personalities and research. Aamir, quick with his response, said, “I’d like to test your lab out as well!” The two-way test was successful, and Aamir joined the group full-time.
Since then, Aamir’s work has explored longer and longer wavelengths, now working in mid-infrared laser-based sensors and their applications. He shares that, broadly, his work falls into three main categories. The first is continuing a study of chemical processes and combustion, a clear connection to his PhD research. The second category deals with environmental and industrial sensors. Finally, the third category looks at sensors for biomedical monitoring, and his group is specifically working on breath sensors for early disease detection. Since starting at KAUST, Aamir has learned the importance of increasing the TRL or Technology Readiness Level for his research areas. Early on, his focus was on research and publications, but he has since recognized that real impact on society comes most immediately through applications.
Aamir finds his work extremely rewarding, thanks to his numerous and varied collaborations that help bring his research into the real world. One of his favorite parts of the research process is the early stages of a new partnership, where two groups from different disciplines come together to work toward solving a problem. He shares, “I invited three medical doctors from a hospital in Jeddah to visit me recently. We want to collaborate with them and do some clinical trials using one of our biomedical sensors. When we sat in the room, we initially spoke different languages. They were explaining things in their medical terms, and we were explaining things in our engineering terms, and it wasn't easy to communicate. But, over a few hours, we started learning from each other. Those sorts of things really excite me about research.”
Another essential element of research for Aamir is mentorship. Throughout his career, he has benefited from the steady support and guidance of advisors and colleagues who helped shape his path. One memorable piece of advice came from his PhD advisor, Ron Hanson, who once asked during an experiment, “What was the room temperature?” When Aamir replied that it was the “usual room temperature,” Ron smiled and said, “You have to always pay attention to the smallest, most minute details.”
That lesson—about precision and mindfulness—has stayed with Aamir ever since, not just in research but in life. As his administrative responsibilities have grown, he makes it a point to keep his door open and carve out time for his students, ensuring they receive the same thoughtful mentorship that has guided his own journey.
Photo courtesy of Aamir Farooq
Profile written by Samantha Hornback
